A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area
Skin that looks stretched or shiny
Joint stiffness or difficulty moving the area
A dent in the skin when pressed (known as pitting edema)
Additional symptoms can depend on what’s causing the edema. For instance, people with heart problems may experience shortness of breath, while those with kidney or liver issues might feel unusually tired.
3. Common Causes of Edema
Many factors can contribute to fluid buildup in the body, including:
Long periods of standing or sitting
Certain medications (such as steroids or blood pressure drugs)
Hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy
Infections or physical injuries
Varicose veins
Issues with the lymphatic system (like lymphedema)
Allergic reactions or insect stings
Chronic illnesses involving the heart, kidneys, liver, or thyroid